Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping, near Sonoita, Arizona, is a stunning spot for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. This area offers expansive sites where you can truly spread out and enjoy the great outdoors, with beautiful views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.

Visitors rave about the incredible scenery, often comparing it to the African plains. The roads are well-kept, making it easy to navigate, and you might even spot some roaming cows, antelope, or deer during your stay. Just keep in mind, there’s no shade, so be prepared for the sun.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets directly at the camping area, you can find water and bathrooms at the nearby Empire Ranch headquarters. Some campers have enjoyed the history of the old ranch and even caught a tour from a local guide. If you’re up for a little adventure, Sonoita is just south of here, known for its wineries and breweries—perfect for a tasting trip after a day of exploring.

Campers appreciate the solitude this location offers, with many noting they encountered very few people during their stay. As one visitor put it, “We spent the evening observing the hawks hunting.” Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping is a fantastic choice for your next outdoor getaway.

Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping

Sonoita is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Sonoita is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Sonoita, AZ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Sonoita

The Best Camping Near Sonoita, Arizona

Really neat spot. Have been here two days so far and so far only two people on horseback on the road. Road should be ok, just take your time. Plenty of firewood and a nice “fire ring”..

Solitude 

Perfect little spot if you're looking for a place to get away from the city has vault toilets also there is water available at the actual empire ranch foundation

Great spot

Big sites spread out.  There are not many places and that's ok.  Looks like local weekenders come with ATV"s.  We found a nice spot at the junction of a couple roads.  Past the ranch, not in the group site.   Noisy ATVs and the threat of snow made us move away however we would come back and spend several days.  Beautiful views, we pent the evening observing the hawks  hunting.   

We like it.

This place is unreal. It reminds me of African plains. It's a higher elevation grassland that makes you feel like you're anywhere but in Arizona. The area is large. Roads are well-kept. It used to be a huge ranch and now it's owned by the BLM. Cows roam, so be aware. So do antelope and deer.  

  

There's no shade to speak of. You can visit the old ranch headquarters and somtimes there's a doula there to give you a tour. It's interesting for the history.

  

You can get water at the headquarters and they have bathrooms there, but you cannot stay there overnight.

  

Just south of this area is Sonoita, famous for its wineries. You can hit some of the wineries or breweries and do some tasting.

  

The area is just stunning, and the elevation is higher than Tucson so if you're looking for some cooler temps, you'll find them here.

Photos of Empire Ranch Area Dispersed Camping

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